Razorbacks Football

FAYETTEVILLE -- In his first six games, about the only thing Tyler Spoon has not done for the Arkansas baseball team is get a big hit in a late-inning situation.

After Saturday, check that off the list.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Just as No. 5 Florida was regaining a key element of its success, the Gators lost another.

Patric Young scored 14 points, giving the Southeastern Conference leaders the strong inside presence they have missed lately.

FAYETTEVILLE — Guard BJ Young came through for Arkansas for the second straight game, making a twisting scoop shot in the closing seconds to help the Razorbacks wrap up a 62-60 win against Georgia on Thursday night.

It was hard to tell he made the game-winner afterward, though.

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas outfielder Tyler Spoon sat in coach Dave Van Horn’s office during the middle of the 2012 season and was hit with a surprising question.

How would he feel if he was moved to the active roster, ending what was scheduled to be a redshirt season?

FAYETTEVILLE — Tyler Wilson understands what the early evaluations and projections indicate for the NFL Draft’s 2013 quarterback class.

The group isn’t on the same level as 2012, which featured stars in rookies Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and Russell Wilson. There are question marks about every member after enduring subpar seasons. Through it all, West Virginia’s Geno Smith, appears to be the only shoe-in to become a first-round selections in two months.

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas coach Mike Anderson only had to look at one statistic to know what the Razorbacks were facing against their next opponent.

Georgia outrebounded Ole Miss by 15 in an overtime loss in Oxford, Miss., last Saturday. It was an impressive performance, especially against an Ole Miss team that has been dominant on the boards most of the season.

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas was gassed at this point last season, running into late-season issues with an undermanned roster.

Arkansas coach Mike Anderson is confident that’s why his team, which was 17-8 and 5-5 in Southeastern Conference play, stumbled to a 1-5 finish over its final six regular season games. The costly slump knocked the Razorbacks out of NCAA Tournament consideration and the National Invitational Tournament picture.

FAYETTEVILLE — No. 1 Arkansas bounced back from its first loss of the season by sweeping New Orleans in a doubleheader Tuesday at Baum Stadium.

The Razorbacks shut out the Privateers for 16 innings as Arkansas beat New Orleans 14-0 in the first game, a seven-inning win shortened by the 10-run rule, before closing out the day with and 3-0 victory.

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas forward Marshawn Powell knew the Razorbacks needed him after a slow start against Missouri last Saturday.

The junior delivered, scoring 24 points in a 73-71 win and was recognized by the Southeastern Conference for his efforts Monday.

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas leaned on its veteran pitchers to start on the mound during its season-opening series against Western Illinois.

Now, Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn is handing the ball to the younger guys.

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn said it wouldn’t be easy for the Razorbacks to maintain their spot at the top of preseason polls throughout 2013.

He was right. Arkansas will likely tumble after its opening weekend.

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas coach Mike Anderson predicted in the preseason that Missouri’s first trip into Bud Walton Arena as a Southeastern Conference opponent would prove to be an interesting afternoon.

Anderson had to amend his statement, though, after Arkansas beat Missouri 73-71 on Saturday behind an improbable surge in the final minute.

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas coach Mike Anderson has done his best publicly to treat today’s game like any other in his two years with the Razorbacks.

Anderson has said it is the next game in Arkansas’ Southeastern Conference schedule. It’s the next chance for his improving team to protect home court against a quality opponent. And it’s another opportunity to grab an important win.

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn wanted to slide Dominic Ficociello from first base to second for a number of reasons this season.

One of the biggest was so the Razorbacks could get sophomore Eric Fisher’s bat in the lineup. The sophomore showed what it could mean in Friday’s opener.

FAYETTEVILLE — Chairman Ken Mourton said Wednesday it wouldn’t take any longer than a week to find the Razorback Foundation’s next executive director.

Two days later, Mourton and the Razorback Foundation named a new leader.

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas pitcher Trent Daniel said anyone who plays college baseball dreams of competing at the College World Series.

It’s something he and the Razorbacks managed last year, winding their way through Texas to win an NCAA Regional and Super Regional. They even experienced success once they got to Omaha, too, winning two games before eventually being eliminated.

FAYETTEVILLE — The Arkansas basketball team found comfort in a familiar place Wednesday night, beating Auburn 83-75 to grab its first road win.

But coach Mike Anderson said he didn’t feel a sense of relief from his players after starting the year 0-8 outside of the state. Instead, he noticed something else.

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas catcher Jake Wise was asked a simple question during the Razorbacks’ media day last week.

What does Dominic Ficociello look like as a second baseman?

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas defensive end Austin Flynn will be “held accountable” for his actions by coach Bret Bielema after being arrested for driving while intoxicated in Fayetteville early Wednesday morning.

Bielema issued a statement regarding Flynn’s arrest Wednesday night. It came several hours after Flynn registered a blood alcohol content of .14, according to a Fayetteville police department preliminary report. The legal limit is .08.

FAYETTEVILLE — The Razorback Foundation is in need of a new executive director.

Chris Wyrick, who became the executive director of the athletic department’s non-profit fundraising arm last fall, has accepted a position as Arkansas’ vice chancellor of university advancement. Chancellor David Gearhart announced Wyrick’s addition to his senior administrative team Wednesday morning.